Author: Amy Holloway
If you’ve recently picked up a new puppy or are planning to, have you thought about how you’re going to socialise them during the current Coronavirus phase? How will you safely introduce your new pup to a variety of sights, sounds, smells, and situations, to help them grow up into a well-mannered and sociable member of the family?
With social distancing rules in place, some of the above situations are not going to be possible right now, and socialising your puppy is going to be challenging. There are, however, plenty of things you can do in your house and garden that will help your puppy learn and experience as much as possible.
Coronavirus also brings new challenges for you and your puppy, such as introducing them to face masks (on you and other people) and mitigating the amplified effects of separation anxiety, which your puppy will most likely face when you start to leave the house more, as lockdown restrictions ease.
The current situation isn’t ideal, and the concern is that there could be a whole generation of delinquent puppies post lockdown. That’s why it’s so important for all new puppy owners to try and make the best of this situation, get creative, and learn how to socialise puppies lockdown-style!
Why & when do you need to socialise your puppy?
Typically, the key socialisation period for puppies is 3 to 14 weeks of age, according to Purina. As their new owner, you will normally experience from 8 weeks of age with them. This is when puppies’ brains are like a sponge, soaking up every new experience; a puppy’s brain develops at such a fast rate that it’s vital to expose your puppy to, and form positive associations with, as many everyday things as possible that you want them to be relaxed and confident with when they’re an adult dog.
In an ideal world, you’d expose your puppy to things such as vehicle traffic, busy high streets, children, trains, farm animals, people wearing hats and sunglasses, different sounds, loud noises, and being left home alone. Doing this in a positive way is fundamental in setting your new puppy up for success.
Ready to learn?
Find out how to socialise your puppy during lockdown in our blog post: 8 Important Ways to Socialise Your Puppy During COVID-19 Lockdown
This article covers daily handling, collar & lead training, walking, sights & sounds in and around your home, preventing separation anxiety, and mental stimulation.
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